Section 1
SECTION 1. The Department of Public Works and Communications is hereby authorized to enter into, and bind the Government by, contracts with any private person, natural or juridical, for construction, operation, and maintenance of national highways, roads, bridges, public markets, irrigation systems and other self-liquidating public improvements subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth: Provided, That said contracts shall he open to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations or associations as are authorized by law to engage in business operations in the Philippines.